The Gelns Centre was built in 1994 by North Leitrim Glens Development Company as a general purpose meeting and performance space and tourist information hub for North Leitrim.

Originally the old Methodist church, built in 1830 and deconsecrated in 1964, the company restored the old building and added self-catering apartments and office spaces. In 2001, the company converted the auditorium to a 140-seat theatre. Since then, the Glens Centre has become a favourite of both artists and audiences. Thanks to the accommodation and rehearsal space, the Glens has pioneered the “performance laboratory” concept, where artists live in the community while they develop new work.

In addition to the cultural activities hosted by the Glens, the centre is a flagship building in the town of Manorhamilton, welcoming all groups and individuals to enjoy the space, the excellent acoustics, and the beautiful surroundings.

The Glens Centre has a range of supports and facilities to offer professional and emerging artists, including rehearsal space to develop, workshop, and showcase new theatrical and musical works, and an auditorium in which to present finished works. Recording facilities for live shows, radio plays, and music albums are available, and with professional staff on hand to offer expert services, they are proud to have supported and played a part in the development of a wide range of projects over the years.

Recording at the Glens Centre:

The origins of the recording facilities at the Glens Centre began with the guidance of legendary guitarist Steve Cooney. Since then they have been proactive in encouraging visiting artists to use their facilities, and they have collaborated with theatre companies in the production of radio drama. They hope to extend their recording facility to include a soundproof control room for recording and post-production in the near future.

Splódar, the resident company in the Glens Centre, was founded in 1995. Over the years, it has presented plays by Jean Anouilh (Antigone), Garrison Keillor (The Prodigal Son), Thornton Wilder (Our Town), Brian Friel (Dancing at Lughnasa, The Home Place and Lovers), John B Keane (Sive), Frank McGuinness (The Factory Girls), and Vincent Woods (At the Black Pig’s Dyke).

Splódar is perhaps unique in Ireland in that it regularly presents plays in both the Irish and English languages. Its directors aim to further develop and nurture drama in Irish and to provide a platform for writers who wish to express themselves in that language.

To check out what is on at the Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, including upcoming gigs, performances, and news, please check the website.